Electro-magnetic means for effecting de-coupling of a pair of adjacent coupled toy train cars



P" 19, 1950 A. ANDERSON 2, 3 ,201

ELBCTRO-MAGNETIC MEANS FOR EFFECTTNG DE-COUPLING OF A PAIR OF ADJACENT COUPLED TOY TRAIN CARS Filed Nov. 7. 195a INVENTOR. Axzw D L. Auoeesou BY v A'Y 'ToQuEYs United States Patent ELECTRO-MAGNETIC MEANS FOR EFFECTHNG DE-COUPLING OF A PAIR OF ADJACENT COU- PLED TOY TRAIN CARS Arvid L. Andersom'Frederic, Wis.

Application November 7, 1958, Serial No. 772,546

4 Claims. (Cl. 213-211) This invention relates to means for efiecting the de-coupling of a pair of adjacent toy vehicles and, more specifically, the present invention pertains to electromagnetically operated means for effecting the aforesaid de-coupling of a pair of adjacent toy vehicles of the miniature electric train type.

One of the primary objects of this invention is to provide de-coupling means for a pair of coupled toy electric train vehicles, the de-coupling means including electro-magnetically operable devices which may be placed at selected positions along the side of the trackway, the electro-magnetic means including elements adapted for connection with coupling devices utilized in conventional toy train vehicles.

A further object of this invention is to provide a tie-coupling device of the type referred to above which may be actuated to effect the de-coupllng of a pair of adjacent toy train vehicles, the electro-magnetic actuating means being suitably adapted for camouflage at selected points adjacent either one of the outside railway ties.

This invention contemplates, as still another object thereof, the provision of electro-rnagnetically operable de-coupling means of the type described generally supra, the de-coupling means being non-complex in construction and assembly, inexpensive to manufacture, durable in use, and readily adaptable for incorporation with present existing coupling devices of toy train types.

Other and further objects and advantages of the instant invention will become more evident from a consideration of the following specification, when read in the light of the annexed drawing, in which:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a toy railroad freight car equipped with means co-acting with electro-magnetic device for efiecting the de-coupling of the freight car from a toy car coupled at either end thereof;

Figure 2 is a front elevational view of the electromagnetically operable means for effecting the aforesaid de-coupling action, Figure 2 being taken substantially upon the vertical plane of line 22 of Figure 1, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary detail cross-sectional view of the electro-magnetic decoupling means illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 and illustrating a second vehicle as being coupled to the freight car prior to activation of the electromagnetic means, Figure 3 being taken substantially on the horizontal plane of line 3-3 of Figure 2, looking in the direction of the arrows; and,

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the de-coupler actuating bar and mounting means therefor.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, reference numeral 1% designates, in general, a toy railroad vehicle such as, for example, a freight car of conventional construction. Obviously, any other type of conventional toy vehicle could be substituted for the freight car without involving invention. The freight car 10 is provided with conventional pivotal journals 12 on ice opposite sides thereof and adjacent each of its respective opposed ends, the journals 12 rotatably supporting axles on which are mounted a plurality of wheels 14 which are adapted to engage against and ride on a pair of oppositely disposed, laterally spaced, conventional rails 16 fixedly secured to cross ties 18, the latter being designed for engagement against any desired support (not shown).

Reference numeral 2i) designates, in general, a conventional toy train coupling device which is seen to include an elongated substantially hollow rectangular coupler housing 22 having a bottom wall 24 of substantially rectangular configuration from which rise a pair of oppositely disposed substantially rectangular and parallel side walls 26, 28. The inner end of the housing 22 is closed by a transversely extending substantially rectangular end wall 30, and the end of the housing 22 oppositely disposed with respect thereto is open.

A pair of flanges 32, 34 project laterally in opposite directions from the side walls 26, 23, respectively, the flanges 32, 34 being transversely apertured at 36, 38 to receive therethrough pins or bolts for securing the housing 22 to the underside of the car floor 4t).

Fixedly secured to the bottom wall 24 and projecting upright therefrom is a pivot pin 42 on which is pivotally mounted one end of a shank 44, the other end of the shank 44 extending through the open end of the housing 22 and continuing into an offset integrally formed portion 46 which is integrally connected at its outer end to a coupler element 48 intermediate the ends thereof. As"

is clearly seen in Figures 1, 3 and 4, one of the free ends 50 of the coupler element 48 is arcuately shaped and terminates in a transversely extending, laterally extending rib or hook member 52. As is clearly seen in Figure 4 of the drawing, the offset portion 46 and the coupling member 43 are reinforced by means of an integral rib or truss 54. The offset portion 46 is also provided with a transversely extending aperture 56, the function of which will be described in detail below.

The pivot pin 42 is received within a transversely extending aperture 58 formed in the shank 44, and as is seen in Figures 3 and 4, the shank 44 is interconnected with one end of a leaf spring 60 disposed in laterally spaced relation relative thereto, the other end of the spring 60 terminating in a substantially arcuately shaped free end 62 having a terminal end edge 64, the function of which will be presently explained. As is seen in Figure 3, the arcuate portion 62 of the spring 60 is adapted to slidably engage against the side wall 28 of the housing 22, and the terminal edge 64 of the spring 69 is adapted to slidably engage against the opposed side wall 26. The movement of the leaf spring relative to the side walls 26, 28 occurs as the shank 44 is pivoted in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, and the construction is such that the shank 44 is constantly biased for movement in a counterclockwise direction about the pivot pin 42, as viewed in Figure 3 of the drawing.

integrally formed with the outer end of the shank is a depending substantially L-shaped bracket 66 having a longitudinally extending and integrally formed foot portlon 63 from which depends a cam follower pin 70 which is adapted to engage cam members (not shown) disposed at selected intervals between the rails 16 to effect mechanical de-coupling of the car 10 from other cars immediately adjacent thereto. The cam follower and the above referred to cams form no part of this invention since the same are conventional in the prior art.

Reference numeral 72 designates, in general, a substantially V-shaped decoupling actuator rod formed of magnetizable material and is substantially circular in cross-section. As is clearly seen in Figures 3 and, 4, the

3 actuator rod 72 is bent, intermediate the respective ends thereof to form a pair of arms 74, 76 which diverge away from the apex 7.). The outer end of the arm 74 terminates in an integrally formed, laterally projecting and depending link 80 which is adapted to be loosely received within the aperture 56. The arm 76 is slidably received within the eye 32 formed at one end of a guide pin 84 having a shank 86 terminatingat its other end in a point 38. The shank 36 and its associated point 83 are adapted to penetrate and be embedded in the bottom floor at) of the car (see Figure 3). The free end of the arm 76 terminates in an integrally formed, laterally extending and depending link 90 which, under conditions to be more fully described below, is adapted to reciprocate towards and away from the side wall 92 of the car lit.

On opposite sides of the rails 15, and at pre-selected intervals therealong, are positioned a plurality of simulated cross ties 92 arranged in crisscross relationship rela tive to each otherin their respective vertically stacked relation. Between a pair of adjacent ones of the cross ties 92 on the upper tier thereof is disposed an electromagnet 94 having a winding 96 and a centrally disposed fixed armature 98. One side of the winding 96 is connected through wire litl directly with one side of a source of (not shown), and the other side of the winding 96 is connected to the other side of the Ell LE, the. wire 162 being interrupted by means of a normally open manually or automatically operated switch If desired, additional cross ties 92 may be built up around the electromagnet M to conceal the same from view.

It is manifest, of course, that other types of camouflage may be utilized to conceal the electro-magnet 9-3, such camouflage means being preferably designed to simulate conventional equipment normally found proximate the rails of conventional railroad tracks. Regardless, ho ever, of the particular type of camouflage means which are adapted by the operator, the same should be so constructed as to permit the armature 98 of the electromagnet 94 to be elevated above the rail '16 whereby the link 99 may be moved into confronting relation relative to the armature 98. Thus, when the car it has moved along the rails 16 to establish the above described relationship betweenthe link 90 and the armature 98, the operator may close the switch rat to eifect energization of the winding as and the link 96) is then attracted towards the armature causing the arm 76 to slide through the eye '82, and in so moving, the arm '76 causes the shifting of the arm 74 from the full line position illustrated in Figure 3 to its dotted line position as illustrated therein. The movement of the arm '74 causes a lateral shifting of the link fill which, in turn, effects a clockwise movement of the shank 44, the offset portion d6 thereof and the coupler element 48 from their respective full line positions shown in Figure 3'to the dotted.

line positions illustrated therein. 'This clockwise movement occurs about the pivot pin '42 as an axis, and is exerted against the tension of the leaf spring so which, as has been statedv above, constantly biases the shank 44 formovement in a counterclockwise direction. As the clockwise movement takes place, the arcuately shaped free end 62 of the leaf spring as shifts to the dotted line position illustrated in Figure 3 and simultaneously therewith, the terminal end 64 thereof moves to its dotted line position as is illustrated in the aforesaid figure. The clockwise movement of the shank 4 i is limited by engagement of the attached end of the leaf spring 60 against the marginal end area of the open end of the housing 22.

Opening of the switch 164 (which may be normally biased for movement towards its open position) effects de-energization of the electro-rnagnet 9 3 and the leaf spring 60 now causes the shank 44- and the coupler elements associated therewith to pivot in a counterclockwise direction to assume their respective full line positions as illustrated in Figure 3. 1

Figure 3 illustrates a pair of toy vehicle railroad cars coupled together, and the coupling means for each of the their associated coupling means comprises the fact that the coupling device 20 is of opposite hand with respect to the coupling device 28 and, reference being here made to Figure 3 of the drawing, the leaf spring 60 constantly biases the coupling deviceZt) for movement in a counterclockwise direction.

The coupler elements 48, '48 and their associated arcuately shaped free ends 50, 5t) thereof are designed in such a manner as to cause the same to abut against and slide across each other to effect a coupling connection between the rib or hook members 52, 52, the latter interlocking behind each other during'this actuation to couple together the two cars ll), 10. The resilient or leaf springs 60, 6b constantly tend to maintain this coupling arrangement between the coupler elements 48, 48 so long as the electro-magnet $4 remains de-energized and the link is not placed in juxtaposition relative thereto.

In the drawing, the rib or hook members 52, 52' have been somewhat exaggerated with respect to the curvature thereof in order that this invention may be clearly described and illustrated.

From the foregoing specification it becomes self evident that the de-coupling action may take place when the cars 10, 10 are stationary and in the positions illustrated in Figure 3 of'the drawing, or, the de-coupling between the cars may be effected while the cars are moving provided that the magnetic field created by the electro-magnet 94 is of sufficient strength to cause the link 90 to be drawn towards the armature 98.

Having described and illustrated one embodiment of this invention in detail, it will be understood that the same is oifered merely by way of example, and that the instant invention is to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is: l. A de-coupling device for actuating the coupler of a toy train vehicle, said coupling device comprising a coupler element having an elongated shank provided with a couplerelement extending transversely across one end thereof, said coupler element projecting longitudinally beyond one end of said vehicle and having an end pivotally connected thereto, a housing on the vehicle receiving said shank, a horizontal longitudinally extending arcuately curved leaf spring rigidly connected at one end to the intermediate portion of the shank, the arcua e portion of the leaf spring engaging one side Wall of the housing and the free end of the, spring slidably engaging the opposite side wall of the housing, said side walls being spaced sufficiently close together to tease the spring and to constantly bias said coupler element for movement towards its coupling position, and means for moving said element towards its tie-coupling position, said last named means comprising a substantially horizontal elongated rod formed of magnetizable material and extending transversely of said vehicle, said rod having one of its ends loosely and pivotally connected with said coupler element, means on the vehicle slidably sup-- 2. A de-coupling device for a toy train vehicle mounted for movement on a toy train track including rails therefor, said device comprising a horizontal electro-magnet connected in an electric series circuit with a source of E.M.F., said circuit having a normally open control switch connected in series therewith, means for supporting said electro-magnet in elevated transversely directed position above said rails, a coupling device for said vehicle including an elongated shank having an end thereof pivotally connected to said vehicle adjacent one of its ends, the other end of said shank projecting beyond said one end of said vehicle and having a coupler element fixedly secured thereto and extending transversely thereof, a housing on the vehicle receiving said shank, a horizontal longitudinally extending arcuately curved leaf spring rigidly connected at one end to the intermediate portion of the shank, the arcuate portion of the leaf spring engaging one side wall of the housing and the free end of the spring slidably engaging the opposite side wall of the housing, said side walls being spaced sufficiently close together to tense the spring and to constantly bias said coupler element and shank for movement towards their respective coupling positions, a horizontal, substantially transverse de-coupling actuator rod formed of magnetizable material, said rod having an end thereof loosely and pivotally connected with said shank, guide means fixedly secured to one end of said Vehicle and slidably receiving for reciprocation therethrough the other end of said actuator rod, said other end of said actuator rod being located so as to be at times brought into confronting juxtaposition relative to said electro-magnet to effect movement thereof towards said electro-magnet when said circuit is energized to cause said shank and said coupler element to pivot towards its de-coupling position against the force of said leaf spring.

3. A de-coupling device for a toy train vehicle, mounted for movement on a toy train track including rails therefor, said device comprising an electro-magnet connected in an electric series circuit with a source of E.M.F., said circuit having a normally open control switch connected in series therewith, means for supporting said electro-magnet in horizontal elevated position above said rails, a coupling device comprising an elongated shank having an end thereof pivotally connected to said vehicle adjacent an end thereof, the other end of said shank projecting beyond said one end of said vehicle and having a coupler element fixedly secured thereto and extending transversely thereof, a housing on the vehicle receiving said shank, a horizontal longitudinally extending arcuately curved leaf spring rigidly connected at one end to the intermediate portion of the shank, the arcuate portion of the leaf spring engaging one side wall of the housing and the free end of the leaf spring slidably engaging the opposite side wall of the housing, said side walls being spaced sufficiently close together to tense the spring and to constantly bias said coupler element and shank for movement towards their coupling position, a substantially horizontal transversely extending de-coupling actuator rod formed of magnetizable material, said rod having a substantially V-shaped configuration and having arms diverging from the apex thereof, one of said arms being loosely and pivotally connected with said shank, guide means fixedly secured to one end of said vehicle and slidably receiving for reciprocation therethrough the other arm of said actuator rod, said other arm of said rod being located to be at times moved into confronting juxtaposition relative to said electro-magnet to effect movement thereof towards said electro-magnet when said circuit is energized to pivot said shank and coupler element into their respective de-coupling positions against the force exercised by said leaf spring, and said apex of said actuator rod co-acting with adjacent portions of said first arm to prevent movement of said first arm in either direction therethrough.

4. A de-coupling device for a toy vehicle train mounted for movement on a toy train track including rails therefor, said device comprising an electro-magnet connected in an electrical series circuit with a source of E.M.F., said circuit having a normally open control switch connected in series therewith, means for supporting said electro-magnet in horizontal transversely directed elevated position above said rails, a coupling device including an elongated shank having an end thereof pivotally connected to said vehicle adjacent one of its ends, the other end of said shank projecting longitudinally beyond said one end of said vehicle and having a coupler element fixedly secured thereto and extending transversely thereof, said shank having an apertured offset portion, a housing on the vehicle receiving said shank, a horizontal longitudinally extending arcuately curved leaf spring rigidly connected at one end to the intermediate portion of the shank, the arcuate portion of the leaf spring engaging one side wall of the housing and the free end of the leaf spring slidably engaging the opposite side Wall of the housing, said side walls being spaced sufficiently close together to tense the spring and to constantly bias said coupler element and shank for movement towards their respective coupling positions, an elongated, substantially horizontal transversely extending, substantially V-shaped de-coupling actuator rod formed of magnetizable material, said rod having a pair of arms diverging away from the apex thereof, said arms terminating at their respective remotely disposed ends in a pair of laterally bent downwardly depending links, guide means supporting said rod, said guide means having a shank to one end of which is connected an eye, the other end of said guide means being pointed, said guide means shank and said pointed end thereof being adapted for insertion within said one end of said vehicle, one of said links of one of said arms being loosely and pivotally received within said aperture formed in said offset portion, the other arm of said rod being slidably mounted for reciprocation through said eye, the other of said links depending from the other of said arms being disposed adjacent one side of said toy vehicle, said other of said links being located to be at times brought into confronting juxtaposition relative to said electro-magnet to effect movement thereof and of said actuator rod in a direction towards said electro-magnet when said circuit is energized to cause said shank, its said offset portion and coupler element to pivot into their respective de-coupling positions against the force of said leaf spring.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 566,398 Hyde Aug. 25, 1896 2,237,171 Auel Apr. 1, 1941 2,283,731 Goss May 19, 1942 2,868,393 Bailey Jan. 13, 1959 FOREIGN PATENTS 837,436 France May 2, 1938 

